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Whale's Tongue Agave

Whale's Tongue Agave

Regular price $416.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $416.00 USD
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Size

Plant Type: Agaves
Plant Height: 3-5 feet
Spread: 4-6 feet
Flower Color: greenish-yellow or white
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Whale's Tongue Agave (Agave ovatifolia) – A Sculptural, Drought-Tolerant Succulent for Arizona Landscapes

The Whale's Tongue Agave, scientifically known as Agave ovatifolia, is renowned for its broad, cupped leaves that resemble a whale’s tongue. Its powdery blue-gray foliage forms a dense, symmetrical rosette, making it a dramatic sculptural element in xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes. Native to the high-altitude regions of northeastern Mexico, this agave thrives in arid and cold conditions, making it a versatile option for a range of climates, including areas with occasional frost.

Key Features of Whale's Tongue Agave:

  • Striking, Broad Leaves: The powdery blue-gray leaves of the Whale’s Tongue Agave are broad and cupped, adding a bold, architectural quality to any landscape. Its dense rosette shape makes it a perfect focal point in rock gardens and desert landscapes.
  • Cold-Hardy & Drought-Tolerant: One of the few agave species that can tolerate colder temperatures, the Whale's Tongue Agave is adaptable to areas that experience occasional frost. It is also highly drought-tolerant, making it ideal for water-efficient gardens in Arizona.
  • Flowering Event: When mature, the Agave ovatifolia produces a tall flower spike that can reach up to 10-14 feet (3-4.3 meters) in height. The greenish-yellow or white flowers are attractive to pollinators, including bees and birds. After flowering, the plant typically dies but often produces offsets ("pups") that can be replanted.

Perfect for Xeriscaping and Water-Efficient Gardens

The Whale’s Tongue Agave thrives in well-drained soil and requires minimal watering once established, making it a top choice for xeriscaping and low-maintenance landscapes in the Phoenix Valley. Its cold-hardiness also makes it suitable for regions with occasional frost.

  • Minimal Maintenance: This agave prefers full sun to enhance its vigorous growth and bring out the best in its leaf coloration. It requires minimal watering and care once established, thriving in arid conditions.
  • Versatile Use: The Whale’s Tongue Agave is a popular choice for rock gardens, drought-tolerant landscapes, and container gardening. Its impressive form adds sculptural interest to patios, courtyards, and accent gardens.
  • Drought-Tolerant & Cold-Hardy: This agave can handle both extreme heat and cold temperatures, making it an adaptable and versatile plant for Arizona and beyond.

Why Choose Whale's Tongue Agave for Your Arizona Landscape?

  • Architectural Appeal: The broad, cupped leaves of the Agave ovatifolia create a dramatic visual impact, making it an ideal focal point in xeriscape gardens and rock gardens.
  • Drought Tolerant: Ideal for water-efficient gardens, the Whale’s Tongue Agave thrives in arid environments with minimal watering, making it perfect for Arizona landscapes.
  • Cold Tolerant: This agave’s ability to withstand occasional frost makes it a versatile option for a wide range of climates.

Planting & Care Tips

The Whale’s Tongue Agave prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water sparingly once established, as this agave is highly drought-tolerant. In regions with harsh winters, ensure protection from extreme cold.


The Whale's Tongue Agave is a stunning, low-maintenance succulent that adds significant architectural beauty and resilience to Arizona landscapes. Its broad, blue-gray leaves, combined with its drought tolerance and cold-hardiness, make it a top choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and container plantings in the Phoenix Valley.

 

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Whale's Tongue Agave

Planting Guide:

  • Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
  • Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
  • Spacing: Space plants 4-6 feet apart to allow for optimal growth and air circulation
  • Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
  • Support: Whale’s Tongue Agave is a self-supporting succulent with broad, thick leaves that do not require staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

  • Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
  • Frequency: Water every 7-10 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
  • Watering Amount: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

  • Timeframe: Whale’s Tongue Agave is considered established after 4-6 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

  • Summer: Water every 14-21 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 10-14 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
  • Winter: Water every 6-8 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

  • Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 18-24 inches away from the base of the plant for deep watering of the root zone
  • Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
  • Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
  • Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 6-8 weeks
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